General Forum, 2023-2027 Term

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Sheri Weiner to discuss RS2024-556 – “A resolution supporting an end to violence between Israel and Palestine”.

From CM Weiner: 

Colleagues,

I share considerable angst for my Jewish and Muslim friends and for those who I don’t know who have family in Israel and in Gaza.  I hurt with Z, Jacob, Clay, Brenda and Quin.  I hurt with my Muslim client who has immediate family in Gaza with whom I cried on October 9.    

Let’s talk process.  When I review legislation I read it first at face value, then I put myself in the shoes of those who may be impacted…if zoning, I consider the neighbors. In this case, I read it again asking “how would I, as a hostage or family member, react?”.  And again asking “how would I, as a resident in Gaza or family member, react?”   And again “how would I, as the grandmother who was raped and tortured on Facebook or as her family, react?”   Finally I asked myself this: What does this solve?  What message does this send?  How does this help?

Does this address the horror faced by the Israelis who were mercilessly raped, tortured, murdered and kidnapped?  The continued torture and death of the hostages?  

Does this resolution mention that we stand for peace all over the world? That we stand against leaders of countries that attack peaceful nations and that we stand in solidarity with the citizens of Israel and Gaza?

While this addresses the impact of the bombing of Gaza on their residents, does it clearly address the current fate of the hostages who need to be home?  Alive?   For those who have died?

Does it address hundreds of thousands of lives or the millions in the Middle East who are at risk of escalation until all of the hostages are returned, humanitarian aid is delivered without delay and an end to the war is achieved?

We should all pray for the citizens of Gaza and Israel who have no say in the actions of their governments – those who ran for their lives, gave their lives and are continuing to endure unimaginable suffering. All of them.

We were elected by our constituents to do the work of Nashville.  We should honor the pain our constituents are living.  Those suffering from this war need so much more than we can offer in a resolution.  Let’s consider supporting area charities that will support the rebuilding on both sides of the border…broken families, neighborhoods, and broken spirit.

I ask that you ask yourself these questions before you vote on this resolution.  I ask that you consider that we can do better than this for all of our constituents, for the hostages and their families, for those living in Gaza stuck in the middle of the fighting.

Let’s consider a deferral until we can be complete in our support of everyone impacted recognizing the scars, pain, and suffering being unleashed in the Middle East and beyond.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,

Sheri Weiner, Councilmember 

Metro Nashville and Davidson County, District 22

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Tasha Ellis to discuss RS2024-392, which approves a contract between the Metropolitan Government and Rite of Passage, Inc. for operation and management services for the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Facility. 

From CM Ellis: 

Has there been any follow up or report back from Rite of Passage addressing the high risk items flagged in the final audit report on Feb 7, 2024? Here's a a link to that report for reference:   https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/Audit-Report-Davidson-County-Juvenile-Court-240207.pdf?ct=1707333595

This discussion topic was requested by CM Sepulveda to discuss Board and Commission Disclosures.

From CM Sepulveda: 

Colleagues I have an ordinance up that would require people serving on boards and commissions to file disclosures. This ordinance is very broad. It's meant to get the conversation going. I plan to defer. The amendment I have in mind would require them to state any conflict of interest. It was also suggested that this be limited to boards who approve loans or money. I think it's a good suggestion. Wanted to get feedback from everyone else.

This discussion topic was requested by CM Sepulveda to discuss Board and Commission Appointments.

From CM Sepulveda: The Rules Committee is currently in the process of discussing procedures and processes for confirmation hearings. Here's a summary of the key points that were addressed during the special called meeting:

1. Two-Week Time Change: A proposal was made to implement a two-week time change in the confirmation process. Under this suggestion, individuals would attend the Rules Committee for their confirmation hearings but the final vote by the entire council would be deferred until the subsequent meeting. Attendance at the following meeting would not be mandatory for nominees, providing council members with the opportunity to review confirmation hearings. This allows for a more thorough consideration of nominees.
2. Board Priorities:  We will be sending out a communications to board and commission chairs, as well as department heads, to ensure the accuracy of data and to gather insights into their priorities. This approach aims to familiarize council members with the ongoing work of these entities, enabling us to make well-informed decisions when confirming nominees.
3. Data and Questionnaire: Efforts are underway to obtain more accurate data, which will be further segmented by individual boards and commissions. Your input is welcome, and we are open to incorporating additional information or feedback on the questionnaire to enhance the overall quality of the confirmation process.

This discussion topic was requested by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to discuss missing middle housing. 

From Vice Mayor Henderson: Missing Middle Housing. Why is it important; what does it look like; and where can it go? Nashville needs more diversity of housing types in more places. This is a forum for talking about triplexes, townhouses, cottage courts, and more.

This discussion topic was requested by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to discuss stormwater policy. 

From Vice Mayor Henderson: Stormwater challenges are on the minds and lips of residents and homebuilders across the city. We have legislation pending regarding stormwater fees, and the results of a stormwater complaints assessment being presented to the Council on January 30. This is the forum for stormwater policy questions & suggestions.